AC Milan vs Newcastle Champions League Betting Preview

It’s finally here. The 2023-24 Champions League campaign officially kicks off on Tuesday and we have many intriguing matches on the schedule. Among them is an encounter between AC Milan and Newcastle, who will make their first UCL appearance in 20 years. It’s a long time coming. The kick-off is scheduled for 12:45 PM ET at the San Siro in Milan as Sandro Tonali makes his return to his old club. Both of these sides are in arguably the toughest pod of the lot, with Dortmund and PSG also vying for a spot in the Round of 16. Those two also meet on the same day. Keep reading for the match preview.

AC Milan need a result

Milan was very impressive in last year’s Champions League competition, losing in the semifinals to Inter. While they could have a difficult time getting through the group stages considering how many solid clubs are in this pod, the focus right now will just be finding a result on Tuesday at home. After all, the Rossoneri were just absolutely embarrassed in the Milan Derby on Saturday, losing 5-1 to Inter in a truly brutal performance.

Milan actually had 60% of the ball and seemed to be in control in the middle of the park, but their backline was just atrocious, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan netting a brace. Rafael Leao scored the lone goal for Stefano Pioli’s side.

The Rossoneri have never faced Newcastle in their history, but their recent results against English sides aren’t exactly great. Milan has a mere one win in their last 11 meetings with Premier League clubs, although that victory did come in last year’s tournament against Spurs at a crucial moment. Considering how they played over the weekend, you can expect Milan to be coming out firing on all cylinders. Regardless, they’re not a huge favorite, sitting at just +150 at 888sport.

Big moment for Newcastle

Tuesday is a long-awaited moment for the Magpies. After years and years of barely staying up in the English top flight, Newcastle completely turned things around last season under their new Saudi owners, securing a top-four spot and in the process, booking their ticket to the Champions League. And while they know how difficult of a task it will be to finish above PSG, Dortmund, and Milan, the Magpies are just ecstatic to be back in Europe in some capacity.

Don’t get it twisted though, Eddie Howe’s men want to win and show they’re an elite club. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been the best start to the domestic season for Newcastle however, winning two and losing three. In fact, they had tasted defeat in three straight games before running out as 1-0 winners at Brentford on Saturday thanks to a goal from the spot from Callum Wilson.

Going on the road to a hostile environment like the San Siro will be extremely tough for the Premier League outfit, but they’re undoubtedly ready to show they belong. The Magpies are a very slim underdog at most soccer betting sites on Tuesday. 

AC Milan vs Newcastle injury news

Milan heads into this affair rather healthy. Fikayo Tomori is eligible to return from suspension, while Pierre Kalulu is battling a thigh injury. As for Newcastle, Tonali should be re-introduced into the starting XI against his ex-team after watching from the sidelines Saturday with a minor injury. Joe Willock, Joelinton, and Emil Krafth are all unavailable due to health issues.